Force diversion apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Force diversion apparatus, methods and devices including the same result in rotational motion being imparted to an impacting object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/066,109,filed Feb. 25, 2005. This application is also related to U.S. Pat. No.7,367,898 and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/041,974, filed Mar. 4, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

Over the years, a wide variety of devices have been introduced for thepurpose of absorbing some or all of the forces associated withcollisions (or “impacts”) between objects. As used herein, the term“object” includes both inanimate objects, e.g. a projectile, and animateobjects, e.g. a human being or portion of a human body. Examples ofthese devices include helmets and energy absorbing automobile bumpers.Other devices have been introduced for the purpose of preventing oneobject from penetrating another during a collision. Examples of thesedevices include bullet-proof vests and vehicle armor. Although theaforementioned devices are generally useful, the present inventors havedetermined that it would be desirable to provide methods and apparatuswhich handle collision-associated forces in other ways.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

The present inventors have determined that there are many instanceswhere it would be desirable to redirect forces during a collision. Suchredirection may be instead of, or in addition to, the absorption offorces and the prevention of penetration. Areas where it is desirable toredirect impact forces include, but are not limited to, protective bodyequipment, vehicle armor, automobile passenger and pedestrian safety,and sports equipment.

An apparatus in accordance with one exemplary implementation of apresent invention includes a plurality of machines configured to convertcompression force to shear force and a layer of material operablyconnected to the plurality of machines that spreads the compressionforces associated with the impact with an object over the plurality ofmachines. The layer of material connected to the plurality of machinesmay also be configured to control the dynamic motion of the apparatus.

A method of making an apparatus configured to impart a predeterminedrotation to an object in accordance with one exemplary implementation ofa present invention includes providing a force conversion portion andselecting a force spreading portion that, when combined with the forceconversion portion, will result in an apparatus period that is relatedto the object period in such a manner that the predetermined rotationwill be imparted by the apparatus in response to the apparatus/objectimpact.

A method of absorbing compression forces imparted to a surface by animpacting object in accordance with one exemplary implementation of apresent invention includes converting at least some compression forcesinto shear forces while the object is in contact with the surface andimparting a rotational force to the object while the object is incontact with the surface.

An apparatus for imparting a predetermined rotational motion to anobject in response to an apparatus/object impact in accordance with oneexemplary implementation of a present invention includes a forceconversion portion that deflects in response to the apparatus/objectimpact in a first direction with a first lateral component and a forcespreading portion associated with the force conversion portion. Theforce conversion portion and the force spreading portion together definean apparatus period and the relationship between the object period andthe apparatus period results in the predetermined rotational motionbeing imparted to the object in response to the apparatus/object impact.

A device for protecting the body from a force in accordance with oneexemplary implementation of a present invention includes a wearableportion and a force diversion apparatus associated with the wearableportion. The force diversion apparatus may include a force conversionportion configured to redirect at least a portion of the force and aforce spreading portion operably connected to force conversion portion.

A vehicle system in accordance with one exemplary implementation of apresent invention includes a vehicle with an exterior and a forcediversion apparatus positioned over at least some of the exterior. Theforce diversion apparatus may include a force conversion portionconfigured to redirect at least a portion of a force associated with aprojectile impacting the force diversion apparatus and a force spreadingportion operably connected to force conversion portion.

A sports implement in accordance with one exemplary implementation of apresent invention includes an impact device and a force diversionapparatus on the impact device. The force diversion apparatus mayinclude a force conversion portion configured to redirect at least aportion of a force associated with an object impacting the forcediversion apparatus and a force spreading portion operably connected toforce conversion portion.

An A-pillar assembly in accordance with one exemplary implementation ofa present invention includes an A-pillar and a force diversion apparatuspositioned over at least some of the A-pillar. The force diversionapparatus may include a force conversion portion configured to redirectat least a portion of a force associated with an object impacting theforce diversion apparatus and a force spreading portion operablyconnected to force conversion portion.

An automobile bumper assembly in accordance with one exemplaryimplementation of a present invention includes an automobile bumper anda force diversion apparatus positioned over at least some of theautomobile bumper. The force diversion apparatus may include a forceconversion portion configured to redirect at least a portion of a forceassociated with an object impacting the force diversion apparatus and aforce spreading portion operably connected to force conversion portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the inventions will bemade with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a force diversion apparatus in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the force diversion apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a graph illustrating the manner in which the present forcediversion apparatus converts compression force into shear force.

FIG. 3B is a graph illustrating impact force versus time.

FIGS. 4A-4C are partial side views showing an object striking the forcediversion apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4D is a partial side view showing an object striking a forcediversion apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of a presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a force diversion apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating the undesirable buckling of portionsof a force diversion apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a force diversion apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a bullet-proof vest in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the bullet-proof vest illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the bullet-proof vest illustrated in FIG. 8with the exemplary fastening arrangement removed.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of an exemplary force diversion apparatus thatmay be incorporated into the bullet-proof vest illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are partial side views showing a bullet striking thebullet-proof vest illustrated in FIGS. 8-11.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the interior of a portion of a bullet-proofvest in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 15 is a section view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a helmet in accordance with one embodiment ofa present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a tank in accordance with one embodiment of apresent invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of a golf club in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 19 is a partial section view taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side view of an automobile in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the interior of theautomobile illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a section view taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an automobile bumper in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following is a detailed description of the best presently knownmodes of carrying out the inventions. This description is not to betaken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose ofillustrating the general principles of the inventions. It is noted thatdetailed discussions of aspects of devices that are not pertinent to thepresent inventions, such as the inner workings of automobiles and tanks,have been omitted for the sake of simplicity.

Turning to FIGS. 1-3B, a force diversion apparatus 100 in accordancewith one embodiment of a present invention includes a force conversionportion 102 and a force spreading portion 104. The force conversionportion 102 converts compression forces into shear forces (note FIG.3A), thereby causing the force spreading portion 104 to move in agenerally downward and lateral direction when the force diversionapparatus is struck by a moving object 106. As a result, the forcediversion apparatus 100 imparts lateral motion to the object 106,thereby turning a direct impact into a glancing blow, and impartsrotational motion to the object, thereby causing the object to spin. Thelateral motion also reduces the peak impact force and increases theduration of the impact force, as compared to an otherwise identicalstructure struck in the same manner by the same object, but notpermitted to move laterally. This phenomenon is graphically illustratedin FIG. 3B, which shows the impact associated force on the apparatus asa function of time. The lateral movement occurs in those instances wherethe object 106 bounces off the force diversion apparatus 100 as well asin those instances where the object passes through the force diversionapparatus.

The force spreading portion 104 spreads the compression force (or“load”) associated the impact over a larger area of the force conversionportion 102 than would be the case if the moving object 106 simplystruck the force conversion portion directly. This occurs in thoseinstances where the object 106 bounces off the force diversion apparatus100 as well as in those instances where the object passes through theforce diversion apparatus.

The force diversion apparatus 100 may be dynamically tuned forparticular applications, i.e. fine tuned to react in a predetermined wayin response to a predetermined impact. The fine tuned reaction may, forexample, be the rate of deflection in response to the impact.Frequently, although not exclusively, the force spreading portion 104may be used to perform the dynamic tuning function in the mannerdescribed below. By way of example, but not limitation, oneimplementation of the force diversion apparatus 100 may be configured torespond to the impact associated with a bullet in such a manner that thebullet will rotate 90° as it strikes the apparatus, thereby spreadingthe impact force of the bullet over a larger surface area. Anotherimplementation of the force diversion apparatus may be configured toprotect a passenger's head from the A-pillar in an automobile. Stillanother implementation of the force diversion apparatus may beconfigured to impart a predetermined rotation to an object (e.g. a golfball) that is struck during a sporting event. These and other specificimplementations are discussed in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 8-23.

In the illustrated embodiments, the force diversion apparatus 100 isdynamically tuned in such a manner that lateral movement of the forcespreading portion 104 takes place while the impacting object 106 is incontact with the apparatus. The force spreading portion 104 will, due tothe configuration of the force conversion portion 102, move laterally inresponse to the impact and then move back. The amount of time it takesthe force spreading portion 104 to move laterally and back is referredto herein as the “period.” The amount of time that the object 106 is incontact with the force diversion apparatus 100 prior to bouncing away isalso referred to herein as the “period.” The amount of time an objecttakes to pass through the force diversion apparatus 100, in thoseinstances where penetration is the expected outcome of impact, isreferred to herein as “penetration time.” Accordingly, for the forcediversion apparatus 100 to impart lateral motion to the object 106, theperiod of the force diversion apparatus must be approximately less thanor equal to the period of the object or the penetration time.

The force diversion apparatus and objects described above and below may,in those instances where the object bounces off the apparatus, each beanalogized to a mass on a spring for the purposes of dynamically tuningthe apparatus to react in a predetermined way to a predetermined impact.Here, the period of the object (τ_(o)) may be represented by theequation

${\tau_{o} = {\left( {2\; \pi} \right)\sqrt{\frac{m_{o}}{k_{o}}}}},$

wherem_(o)=mass of object and k_(o)=effective spring constant of the object.The period of the force diversion apparatus (τ_(a)) may be representedby the equation

${\tau_{a} = {\left( {2\; \pi} \right)\sqrt{\frac{m_{a} + m_{o}}{k_{a}}}}},$

where m_(a)=mass of force diversion apparatus, m_(o)=mass of object, andk_(a)=effective spring constant of the force diversion apparatus.

The ultimate rotational velocity (ω) of the object is given by theintegral of the rotational acceleration, which is in turn equal to thenet torque acting on the body divided by the body's moment of inertia(I). In this analogy, the torque acting on the impacting object arisesfrom the shearing force (F_(s)), under the assumption that the normalcontact force passes through the object's center of mass. The shearingforce (F_(s)) is a function of the material properties of the forcediversion apparatus and the impacting object as well as the angles ofthe transverse portions of the machine elements (discussed below). Moreformally, in those instances where the object is a sphere, rotationalvelocity (ω) of the object is represented by the equation

${\omega = {\frac{r_{o}}{I}{\int_{0}^{\tau_{o}}{F_{s}\ {t}}}}},$

where r_(o) is the radius of the object, and the moment of inertia (I)for a sphere may be represented by the equation

${I = {\frac{2}{5}m_{o}r_{o}^{2}}},$

where r_(o) is the radius of the object and m_(o) is the mass of theobject. Combining the preceding three equations, an expression for thespin of the object as a function of the shearing force, the object'sradius and mass, and the impact period can be calculated as follows:

$\omega = {\frac{5}{2\; m_{o}r_{o}}{\int_{0}^{\tau_{o}}{F_{s}\ {t}}}}$

In this representation, the object is in contact with the forcediversion apparatus for a period of time proportional to the period ofthe object (τ_(o)). At the same time, the force diversion apparatusmoves with the apparatus period (τ_(a)). If the apparatus period (τ_(a))is less than the object period (τ_(o)), then the material may changedirection while it is still in contact with the object, and if theapparatus period (τ_(a)) is greater than the object period (τ_(o)), thenthe object may bounce away prior to the chance in direction.Consequently, the shearing force may change sign causing the ultimaterotational velocity of the object to be in either direction or zero, asis discussed below in the context of FIGS. 4C and 4D.

The equations above show the importance of tuning the force diversionapparatus 100 such that it has the desired properties. To brieflysummarize, the object 106 has certain particularly relevant properties(mass, velocity, modulus of elasticity, and moment of inertia), theforce conversion portion 102 has certain particularly relevantproperties (modulus of elasticity, mass and geometry) and the forcespreading portion 104 has certain particularly relevant properties(modulus of elasticity and mass, which is a function of the density andgeometry). Each of these properties effect the behavior of the apparatus100 and, in turn, the object 106. However, the properties of the object106 are typically set, be it a bullet, a golf ball or any other object.The modulus of elasticity and, to some extent, the mass of the forceconversion portion 102 may be adjusted, but this can be relativelydifficult. The properties of the force spreading portion 104, on theother hand, can typically be easily adjusted. For example, the mass ofthe force spreading portion 104 can be easily adjusted by simplyadjusting its thickness. Accordingly, the properties of the forcespreading portion 104 will typically be used/adjusted during dynamictuning processes to obtain the desired object behavior.

Although the present inventions are not so limited, the force conversionportion 102 of the exemplary force diversion apparatus 100 includes aplurality of spaced machine elements. The term “machine element” is usedherein to refer to a structure which modifies the forces acting upon theforce diversion apparatus by diverting the forces in a differentdirection and, in some instances, absorbing at least part of the forces.The machine elements may, for example, be at least partially semi-rigidand/or may be include one or more deflectable portions, thereby allowingthe force diversion apparatus 100 to respond in a predetermined mannerwhen impacted by an object. Although the present inventions are notlimited to any particular machine element configuration, the exemplaryforce diversion apparatus 100 includes a plurality of machine elements108 which extend from one end of the force spreading portion 104 to theother, are spaced in a direction perpendicular to their length, and havea asymmetrical cross-sectional shape which deflects when the forcediversion apparatus 100 is subjected to a compression force.

Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the exemplary machine elements 108 aregenerally Z-shaped and include end portions 110 and 112 and transverseportions 114 and 116 extending between and connecting the end portions.The end portions 110 and 112 are parallel to one another, as are thetransverse portions 114 and 116. The transverse portions 114 and 116 arealso arranged at an acute angle 0 with respect to the end portion 112.The end portion 110 of each machine element 108 is secured to the forcespreading portion 104, while the end portions 112 are secured to thestructure 118 that is being protected by the force diversion apparatus100. The transverse portions 114 and 116 flex and act as hinges whichallow the end portions 110 and 112 to move relative to one another yetremain substantially parallel, in response to a compression force(F_(c)), as illustrated in FIG. 4B, caused by the object 106 strikingthe force diversion apparatus 100. More specifically, when the forcediversion apparatus 100 is subjected to the compression force (F_(c)),the end portion 110 will pivot about the transverse portions 114 and116, thereby causing the angle 0 to decrease as the force spreadingportion 104 moves down and to the right (when in the orientationillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B). Accordingly, a portion of thecompression force (F_(c)) resulting from the impact of the object 106 isconverted into shear force (F_(s)) that is applied to the object whileit is in contact with the force diversion apparatus 100.

With respect to dynamic tuning, and as illustrated for example in FIG.4C, if the force spreading portion 106 is moving down and to the right(in the illustrated orientation) when the object leaves the surface,then the force diversion apparatus 100 will impart a force to the rightto the object, which results in a counter-clockwise spin. This willtypically be the case when the half-period of the force diversionapparatus is greater than the period of the object, as it is in FIG. 4C.Conversely, a clockwise spin will be imparted to the object 106 forcespreading portion is moving in the opposite direction when the objectleaves the surface of the force diversion apparatus. This change in spindirection may be accomplished by dynamically tuning the force diversionapparatus 100 (i.e. adjusting some portion thereof) so that it producesthis result. For example, the force diversion apparatus 100 aillustrated in FIG. 4D is identical to the force diversion apparatus 100illustrated in FIG. 4C but for the thinner (and lower mass) forcespreading portion 104 a. The reduction in the mass of the forcespreading portion produces a reduction in the period of the forcediversion apparatus 100 a, as compared to force diversion apparatus 100,that results in the apparatus moving back to the left by the time theobject 106 leaves the surface. In other words, the force diversionapparatus 100 a has been dynamically tuned to have a full period that isgreater than the period of the object 106 and a half-period that is lessthan the period of the object.

It should be noted that the machine elements 108 are not limited to theconfiguration and arrangement described above. By way of example, butnot limitation, the end portions 110 and/or end portions 112 of adjacentmachine elements 108 may be attached to one another. The machineelements 108 may also be spaced longitudinally (i.e. end to end) inaddition to laterally. The machine elements 108 may also be stacked sothat there will be more than one layer of machine elements. Other shapesmay also be employed. For example, Z-shaped machine elements with only asingle transverse portion may be employed. Another exemplary machineelement configuration, which consists solely of a single transversestructure, is discussed below with reference to FIG. 7.

With respect to materials and manufacturing, the machine elements 108may be formed from semi-rigid materials using processes such as molding,machining, and extruding. Suitable materials include plastics, such asnylon and polyvinyl chloride, metals, such as aluminum, steel andberyllium copper, and ceramics. The force spreading portion 104 ispreferably formed from rigid materials such as steel or aluminum. Thematerials and dimensions of the force spreading portion 104 and machineelements 108 will, of course depend on the intended application. Theforce spreading portion 104 and machine elements 108 may be secured toone another with adhesive or other suitable instrumentalities.

As described above, the primary function of the force diversionapparatus 100 is to protect the structure 118 by redirecting the forcesassociated with the object 106 striking the structure. It is, therefore,important that the machine elements 108 be constructed (i.e. sized,shaped and formed from suitable materials) such that the transverseportions 114 and 116 are flexible enough to pivot in the mannerillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B when subjected to a compression force.The transverse portions 114 and 116 must not, however, be so flexiblethat they buckle in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 or simply collapsein the pivot direction without offering any meaningful resistance.

The construction of the machines 108 is not, however, the only way toinsure that the force conversion portion 102 functions in the intendedmanner. For example, matrix material may be positioned between some orall of the machine elements 108 and/or within some or all the internalcavities 120 (note FIGS. 4B and 5) defined by the end portions 110 and112 and the transverse portions 114 and 116. The force diversionapparatus 100 b illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, includes a forceconversion portion 102 b with a matrix material 122 between each of themachine elements 108. The matrix material 122 supports the transverseportions 114 and 116 in such a manner the machine elements can flex inthe manner illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but will not buckle in themanner illustrated in FIG. 6, when an object strikes the force diversionapparatus. The matrix material 122 carries some of the applied loadassociated with the impact of the object and also serves as an elasticfoundation for the transverse portions 114 and 116 which stores strainenergy during the flexing of the machine elements 108. Although thematrix material 122 may be any suitable fluid or solid, preferredmaterials include natural rubber and rubber-like materials, such aspolyurethane, silicone, Neoprene and Latex, with a lower modulus ofelasticity than the machine elements.

The use of matrix material also facilitates the various alternativeconfigurations of the force conversion portion in a force diversionapparatus. Turning to FIG. 7, the force conversion portion 102 c in theexemplary force diversion apparatus 100 c consists of alternating layersof matrix material 122 and machine elements 108 c, which have a highermodulus of elasticity than the matrix material.

The machine elements 108 c may be formed from the same material as themachine elements 108, e.g. plastics such as nylon and polyvinylchloride, metals such as aluminum, steel and beryllium copper, andceramics. A vulcanization process may be used to secure the layers ofmatrix material 122 to the machine elements 108 c and adhesive 126 maybe used to secure to the force conversion portion 102 c to the forcespreading portion 104 and to the structure 118.

It should also be noted that any of the exemplary force diversionapparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 may be incorporated into any of theexemplary implementations of the inventions described below withreference to FIGS. 8-23.

One exemplary application of force diversion apparatus in accordancewith the present inventions is protective gear for the human body. Suchgear includes any article that can be worn by a human to protect some orall of the human body from the forces associated with being struck by anobject, shock waves from an explosion, etc. Typical areas of use forsuch protective gear include, but are not limited to, body armor formilitary/law enforcement purposes and sports equipment. Two examples ofsuch protective gear are bullet-proof vests and helmets, which aredescribed below with reference to FIGS. 8-16. Other examples of suchdevices include baseball catcher's masks, hockey masks, and knee andelbow pads.

As illustrated for example in FIGS. 8-13, a bullet-proof vest 200 inaccordance with one embodiment of a present invention includes a frontportion 202 and a back portion 204 that are sized and shaped such thatthey together cover the torso of the wearer. The front and back portions202 and 204 are adjustably secured to one another by shoulder straps 206and waist straps 208. Although, the present bullet-proof vest 200 is notlimited to and particular fastening arrangement, the shoulder and waiststraps 206 and 208 are secured to back portion 204 with stitching andare secured to the front portion 202 with hook and loop fastener tapesuch as Velcro® 210 that is located on the underside of the straps (notshown) and the surface of the front portion. The exteriors of the frontand back portions 202 and 204 each preferably include two mainstructures—an outer vest shell 212 with a pocket 214 and a protectivepad 216. It should be noted that, instead of the exemplary single pocketand pad arrangement, the vest shell may include a plurality of smallerpockets that receive a plurality of smaller pads. In either case, theouter vest shell 212 may be a conventional bullet-proof vest outer shellmaterial such as a washable fabric.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 11-13, the protective pad 216includes a force diversion apparatus 218 that is configured to redirectthe forces associated with a bullet 219 and, more particularly, that isconfigured to rotate the bullet 90° as it strikes the bullet-proof vest200. As a result, the force associated with the bullet impact is spreadover a larger surface area (i.e. the surface area along the length ofthe bullet) than the surface area would have been absent rotation (i.e.the surface area of the point). The force diversion apparatus 218 issimilar to the force diversion apparatus 100 in that the apparatus 218includes a force conversion portion 220 and a force spreading portion222 that operate in the manner described above. The force conversionportion 220 includes a plurality of spaced machine elements 224 thatoperate in the manner described above, while the force spreading portion222 is preferably a layer of Kevlar® or other suitable material thatwill prevent the bullet 219 from penetrating the protective pad 216. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the force diversion apparatus 218 is locatedwithin a fabric enclosure 226 that allows the pad 216 to be easilyremoved from the shell 212.

Bullet-proof vests and other protective gear for the human body inaccordance with the present inventions may also be provided with coolingapparatus. As illustrated for example in FIGS. 14 and 15, a protectivepad 216 a is provided with a pump and fluid reservoir apparatus (“pump”)227 that pumps fluid F through and between the individual machineelements 224. To that end, the protective pad 216 a includes an inletpassage 228 that is connected to an outlet tube 230 on the pump 227, andan outlet passage 232 that is connected to an inlet tube 234 on thepump. The fluid F, such as water, will travel through and between themachine elements 224 from the inlet passage 228 to the outlet passage232, thereby drawing heat from the wearer's body.

The fluid F also supports the machine elements 224 when the protectivepad 216 is stuck by a bullet. More specifically, fluid tends to becomemuch stiffer when there is an attempt to move it very quickly. Thus,when a bullet strikes the protective pad 216 a, the shearing action willcause the modulus of the fluid F to momentarily increase approximately1000 times, thereby momentarily stiffening the force conversion portion220.

Another example of protective gear in accordance with the presentinventions is the helmet 300 illustrated in FIG. 16. The exemplaryhelmet 300 includes a convention shell 302, which may be formed fromKevlar® or other suitable materials, and suspension system 304 thatpositions the helmet on the wearer's head. The helmet 300 also includesa force diversion apparatus 306 that is configured to redirect theforces associated with a bullet or other object and reduce peak impact.More particularly, the force diversion apparatus 306 is preferablyconfigured to rotate the bullet 90° as it strikes the helmet 300,thereby spreading the force associated with the bullet impact over alarger surface area that it would have been spread over absent rotation.The force diversion apparatus 306 includes a force conversion portion308 and a force spreading portion 310 that operate in the mannerdescribed above. The force conversion portion 308 includes a pluralityof spaced machine elements 312 that operate in the manner describedabove, while the force spreading portion 310 is preferably a layer ofKevlar® or other suitable material.

The present inventions also have application in the area of armor forvehicles such as tanks, light vehicles, helicopters, planes andautomobiles. One example of such a vehicle is the tank 400 illustratedin FIG. 17. The exemplary tank 400 is an otherwise conventional M1A1battle tank with a hull 402, a turret 404, a cannon 406, wheels 408 andtracks 410. The hull 402 and turret 404 are provided with armor 412which is typically a ceramic and steel composite. In order to provideadditional protection from anti-tank projectiles, which are typicallyquite brittle and come straight at tanks, the exemplary tank 400 is alsoprovided with a force diversion apparatus 414 that covers hull 402 andturret 404. The force diversion apparatus 414 includes a forceconversion portion 416 and a force spreading portion 418 that operate inthe manner described above. The force conversion portion 416 includes aplurality of spaced machine elements 420 that operate in the mannerdescribed above, while the force spreading portion 418 is preferably alayer of steel, ceramic, Kevlar® or other suitably penetration resistantmaterial. When an anti-tank projectile strikes the force diversionapparatus 414, the configuration of the machine elements 420 will causethe force spreading portion 418 to move in the manner described abovewith reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Such movement will impart enoughshearing force on the tip of the brittle projectile to cause it toshatter, which greatly reduces the effect of the projectile on the tank.

As noted above, the present inventions include sporting goods-typeprotective gear. The present inventions also have application in thearea of sporting goods-type implements. Such implements typicallyinclude a portion that is held by the user and a portion that strikes,or is struck by, an object. Although the present inventions are notlimited to any particular type of implement, the golf club 500illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 is one example. The exemplary golf club500 includes a club head 502 with a hose 1 504 that receives a shaft506. The forward facing portion 508 of the club head 502 is providedwith a force diversion apparatus 510. The force diversion apparatus 510includes a force conversion portion 512 and a force spreading portion514 that operate in the manner described above. The force conversionportion 512 includes a plurality of spaced machine elements 516 thatoperate in the manner described above. The force spreading portion 514acts as the club head strike plate and, accordingly, is preferably ametal plate with score lines 518.

The force diversion apparatus 510 may be configured to impart apredetermined spin on a golf ball that is struck by the exemplary golfclub 500 by dynamically tuning the force diversion apparatus 510. Forexample, the thickness (and mass) of the force spreading portion 514 maybe selected such that the force diversion apparatus 510 imparts thedesired spin when the club head 502 strikes the ball.

In addition to the aforementioned golf club 500, other exemplarysporting goods-type implements that may include a force diversionapparatus include, but are not limited to ping pong paddles, pool cues,and string-less tennis rackets.

Other applications of the present inventions include automobile safetyand, more specifically, passenger safety and pedestrian safety. Althoughthere is a wide variety of passenger and pedestrian safety applications,and although the present inventions are not limited to any particularapplications, two exemplary applications are A-pillars and bumpers. Oneexample of an otherwise conventional automobile that incorporates thepresent A-pillar and bumper safety features is generally represented byreference numeral 600 in FIG. 20.

Referring first to FIGS. 20-22, the exemplary automobile 600 includes awindshield 602, a roof 604 and A-pillars 606 on either side of thewindshield. As known to those of skill in the art, A-pillars are theroof supports designed to support a large portion of the vehicle'sweight in the event of a roll-over and, accordingly, must be relativelystiff. This stiffness represents a danger to passengers in that theirheads may strike this relatively stiff structure during an accident. Inorder to protect passengers from this hazard, the exemplary automobile600 is provided with force diversion apparatus 608 that are coextensivewith each of the A-pillars 606 (i.e. extend from the roof 604 to thedashboard 610) within the passenger compartment. The force diversionapparatus 608 includes a force conversion portion 610 and a forcespreading portion 612 that operate in the manner described above. Theforce conversion portion 610 includes a plurality of spaced machineelements 614 that operate in the manner described above. Accordingly,when a passenger's head strikes one of the A-pillars 606, some of theimpact forces will be redirected, thereby reducing the magnitude of theblow to the passenger's head.

Turning to FIG. 23, the exemplary automobile 600 also includes bumpers616 with an internal bumper structure 618 and a force diversionapparatus 620 that covers some or the entire exterior surface of theinternal bumper structure. The internal bumper structure 618 is aconventional automobile bumper that is mounted on the automobile in theconventional manner. The force diversion apparatus 620 includes a forceconversion portion 622 and a force spreading portion 624 that operate inthe manner described above. The force conversion portion 622 includes aplurality of spaced machine elements 626 that operate in the mannerdescribed above.

Although the inventions disclosed herein have been described in terms ofthe preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications and/or additionsto the above-described preferred embodiments would be readily apparentto one skilled in the art. It is intended that the scope of the presentinventions extend to all such modifications and/or additions and thatthe scope of the present inventions is limited solely by the claims setforth below.

1-11. (canceled)
 12. A method of absorbing compression forces imparted to a surface by an impacting object, comprising the steps of: converting at least some compression forces into shear forces while the object is in contact with the surface; and imparting a rotational force to the object while the object is in contact with the surface.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of converting at least some compression forces into shear forces comprises allowing the surface to move in a first direction that has a first lateral component while the object is in contact with the surface.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising the step of: moving the surface in a second direction that has a second lateral component, opposite the first lateral component, while the object is in contact with the surface.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of converting at least some compression forces into shear forces comprises deflecting a plurality of machine elements that are associated with the surface. 16-21. (canceled)
 22. A method of absorbing a compression force with an apparatus, the apparatus including a first layer that converts compression force into shear force and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of: converting at least some of a compression force associated with an object striking the apparatus into shear force with the first layer while the object is in contact with the second layer; and imparting shear force to the object while the object is in contact with the second layer.
 23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the step of converting at least some of a compression force comprises the first layer allowing the second layer to move in a first direction that has a first lateral component while the object is in contact with the second layer.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 23, further comprising the step of: moving the second layer in a second direction that has a second lateral component, opposite the first lateral component, with the first layer while the object is in contact with the second layer.
 25. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the first layer includes a plurality of machine elements; and the step of converting at least some of a compression force into shear force comprises deflecting the plurality of machine elements.
 26. A method of absorbing compression forces imparted by an impacting object to an apparatus including a plurality of semi-rigid machines configured to convert compression force to shear force and a layer of rigid material operably connected to the semi-rigid machines, the method comprising the steps of: converting at least some compression forces into shear forces with the plurality of semi-rigid machines while the object is in contact with the layer of rigid material; and moving the layer of rigid material in a first direction having a lateral component while the object is in contact with the layer of rigid material.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 26, further comprising the step of: moving the layer of rigid material in a second direction that has a second lateral component, opposite the first lateral component, while the object is in contact with the layer of rigid material.
 28. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step of converting at least some compression forces into shear forces comprises deflecting a plurality of the semi-rigid machines.
 29. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step of moving the layer of rigid material comprises moving the layer of rigid material in a first direction having a lateral component while the object is penetrating the layer of rigid material. 